A land of picturesque mountains and clear waters, where the energy of heaven and earth was exceedingly dense. Around the peaks, a multitude of subtle yet powerful restrictions and barriers were faintly visible, isolating this territory from the outside world.
Nine Heavens Sacred Land!
An ancient power that had endured since time immemorial, passed down through countless generations. Its strength was formidable, and across the entire continent, it stood as an unrivaled existence.
Yet from the moment Yang Kai arrived, he felt a pervasive atmosphere of solemnity and sorrow flowing through the Sacred Land. This was likely due to the passing of the old Holy Lord before a new one had been enthroned.
Like the Tianxiao Sect, Nine Heavens Sacred Land was nestled amidst a cluster of mountains. However, unlike the Tianxiao Sect’s Hundred Peak Grand Array, the Sacred Land had only nine peaks.
Though far fewer in number, the arrangement of these nine peaks followed the hidden laws of heaven. The grand array established upon this foundation was in no way inferior to the Tianxiao Sect’s Hundred Peak Grand Array; in some aspects, it even surpassed it.
Whether in defensive strength or the speed at which it gathered the energy of heaven and earth, it was absolutely without disadvantage.
Within the embrace of these nine peaks, exquisitely crafted palaces were arranged in an orderly fashion. Several thousand to ten thousand disciples resided here. The entire Nine Heavens Sacred Land was a secluded paradise, yet it was also brimming with life.
Xu Hui and the others led Yang Kai and An Ling’er back to the Sacred Land. The old man, his motives unclear, did not return quietly. Instead, he made a grand entrance, proceeding along the main path straight toward a magnificent palace at the heart of the Sacred Land.
Along the way, disciples of the Sacred Land periodically gathered and bowed respectfully to Xu Hui and his group.
When they saw An Ling’er, they all cried out her title as the Holy Maiden. Regardless of age or gender, their faces shone with reverence and fervor.
As the sole outsider, Yang Kai naturally drew considerable attention.
So young, yet even the Grand Elder Xu Hui treated him with such respect. This immediately set tongues wagging among the crowd.
Whispers constantly rose from both sides as the disciples of the Sacred Land pointed and murmured about Yang Kai, speculating whether he was the next Holy Lord brought back by the Holy Maiden. Their faces were alight with curiosity and excitement.
It was as if, once Yang Kai assumed the position of Holy Lord, the Nine Heavens Sacred Land would be saved!
Those with sharper eyes had already come to believe this and offered Yang Kai deep bows.
Yang Kai remained impassive, his expression unchanged.
Xu Hui and the others secretly marveled, their estimation of Yang Kai rising another notch.
Although Yang Kai hailed from the Tianxiao Sect, he was, after all, quite young. Xu Hui had deliberately led him along this main thoroughfare to let him glimpse the Sacred Land’s prosperity and the strength of its disciples beforehand, to give him some understanding of the place. They hadn’t expected that amid such grand fanfare, he would show not a trace of fear or panic, appearing so composed, as if he had weathered great storms. This made Xu Hui and his companions view him in a new light.
The mental fortitude of this future Holy Lord seemed extraordinary!
Xu Hui and the others exchanged glances, increasingly convinced that this person should inherit the Holy Lord’s position.
The procession continued, lively and boisterous.
Before a palace constructed of stone and metal, the ground was cut perfectly flat. The palace itself was towering and majestic, with many stone pillars erected before it. Dragons and phoenixes were carved upon the pillars, their forms vivid and lifelike.
Only upon reaching here did Xu Hui turn around and give a gentle wave of his hand.
The surrounding disciples of the Sacred Land gradually dispersed, though every heart remained filled with doubt and curiosity, wondering who Yang Kai truly was and whether he could inherit the Holy Lord’s position and save the Sacred Land from its plight.
“Young brother, please!” Xu Hui inclined his head in a gesture of respect.
Yang Kai sighed helplessly and frowned. “Senior, can you just treat me as a guest here to visit and enjoy myself? There’s no need for such formal ceremony.”
Xu Hui heard this and, knowing that Yang Kai was still somewhat resistant to the Sacred Land and themselves, chuckled and nodded. “Young brother is right. Then let us enter together.”
“Mm.”
Entering the palace and following Xu Hui’s arrangements, everyone took their seats. Shortly, a prepared banquet was laid out, suggesting that Xu Hui and his party intended to welcome Yang Kai properly.
At the banquet, Yang Kai did not appear overly impatient. Adopting a “come what may” attitude, he simply exchanged toasts and cups with Xu Hui and the others.
He discovered that the old man was actually quite easy to get along with, provided the topic of the Sacred Land or its Holy Lord wasn’t brought up. His strength was profound, his seniority high, yet he was approachable. Although Yang Kai suspected this was related to the old man’s own designs, for a young man of his age to visit and receive such patient company from an elder of Xu Hui’s stature was unusual.
As the wine flowed and spirits rose, a group of beautiful young maidens was summoned. Music played, and they sang and danced.
Each of these young women was a stunning beauty. Though their attire was somewhat revealing, it was just right, showing their graceful figures without being indecent. Each had a unique and captivating presence, leaving the onlookers dizzy with admiration.
Yang Kai watched with great interest, his gaze clear and free of any lustful intent.
Seated just below him, An Ling’er observed this and smiled with satisfaction.
After a lively session, the banquet was cleared away. Xu Hui and the others also took their leave, having not once mentioned the topic that annoyed Yang Kai. A maidservant then led him away to rest.